Kinship and Political Organization

Flashcards covering key concepts related to kinship, family structures, and political organizations discussed in the lecture.

Kinship

A social institution that refers to relations formed between members of society, explaining the bonds that exist within society.

Consanguineal Kinship

Kinship based on blood, considered the most basic form of relations achieved by birth or blood affinity.

Descent

A biological relationship recognized by societies where children descend from parents.

Lineage

The line where one’s descent is traced, either through the paternal or maternal line.

Patrilineal Descent

A form of descent where both males and females belong to the kin group of their father.

Matrilineal Descent

A form of descent traced through the female line.

Bilateral Descent

A form of descent where kinship is traced through both ancestral lines of the mother and the father.

Affinal Kinship

Kinship based on marriage, referring to relations developed when a marriage occurs.

Endogamy

Compulsory marriage, often practiced by ethnic or religious groups.

Exogamy

Marriage custom where an individual is required to marry outside of their own group.

Monogamy

A marriage or sexual partnership involving only one mate.

Polygamy

The practice of having more than one sexual mate.

Polygyny

A marriage practice where a man has multiple female partners.

Polyandry

A marriage practice where a woman has multiple male partners.

Patrilocal Residence

A residence rule where married couples stay near the husband's relatives.

Matrilocal Residence

A residence rule where married couples live with the wife's relatives.

Biolocal Residence

A residence rule where the newlywed couple alternates between the husband's and wife's families.

Ambilocal Residence

A rule where a married couple decides to live with either spouse's household of origin.

Nuclear Family

A family unit typically comprised of two adults and their socially recognized children.

Extended Family

A family structure that includes relatives beyond the nuclear family.

Blended Family

A family formed by parents with children from previous relationships.

Transnational Families

Families who maintain close ties across international borders despite being geographically dispersed.

Band

A simple political system formed by several families living together based on kinship ties.

Tribe

An acephalous political system organized through pantribal associations or sodalities.

Chiefdom

A political structure with formal leadership relying on the authority of a select family.

Legitimacy

A moral and ethical concept that bestows the right to exercise power.

Authority

The power to make binding decisions and issue commands.

Traditional Authority

Authority derived from established customs, habits, and social structures.

Charismatic Authority

Authority based on the personal qualities and charisma of the leader.

Rational-legal Authority

Authority that draws its legitimacy from formal laws and rules.